The California Wellness Foun­dation (TCWF) recently honored Tasha Williamson, along with two other honorees Lali Moheno of Central Valley and George Galvis of Oakland, with the 2013 California Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and prevent violence. Williamson, co-founder of the San Diego Compassion Project, provides support and compassion for families in San Diego County who have lost loved ones to gang or gun violence.

Before a crowd of family, friends and past honorees, Williamson expressed gratitude for her recognition and made a call to action. “We have to advocate and have compassion because violence, especially gang violence, is preventable,” said Tasha Williamson.

Since its founding, TCWF has awarded 6,544 grants totaling more than $815 million. It is one of the state’s largest private foundations. Please visit TCWF’s website at CalWellness.org for more information, including a newsroom section devoted to the California Peace Prize and the three honorees. High-resolution photos are also available. Video interview clips for Cummings and Grant are posted at TCWF’s YouTube channel.